KR20090127876A - Programmable blender having record and playback features - Google Patents

Abstract

A programmable blender having record and playback features includes a record mode and a playback mode. When the blender is placed into the record mode, a processor stores a user created blending sequence to a memory unit. Alternatively, when the blender is placed into a playback mode, the processor automatically controls the operation of the blender in accordance with the stored blending sequence.

Description

PROGRAMMABLE BLENDER HAVING RECORD AND PLAYBACK FEATURES}

The present invention relates generally to utensils used to process food and beverages. More specifically, the present invention relates to a food and beverage mixer with a plurality of mixing settings that can be adjusted by a user. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mixer in which various mixing functions adjusted by the user can be recorded and stored as a mixing sequence and reproduced by the user upon request.

Mixers for facilitating the processing of food, beverages, and other mixed food dishes have been found everywhere in both commercial and residential facilities. Such an instrument is particularly useful when there are a variety of actions that must be performed repeatedly with accuracy and precision.

As user preferences or preferences change, the ability to create and store custom mixing sequences provided by mixers is created. For the purpose of the following discussion, the term “blending sequence” refers to the adjustment of the motor as well as the adjustment of any other user adjustable features provided by the mixer by the user over time or with respect to any other suitable parameter. It is a unique way to increase and / or decrease speed. Typically, modifications or additions to the new mixing sequence require the mixer to be physically returned to the manufacturer who was disassembled and reprogrammed. This process causes tremendous discomfort for the user, thus causing potential buyers to lose interest in such mixers.

In addition, as mixer technology has advanced, user-selectable motor speed controls and timers have been incorporated into the mixer to achieve greater consistency between each blended dish. However, even with such control, a major obstacle in consistently producing mixed dishes such as mixed drinks is that the user is required to consistently adjust the motor speed each time the mixing sequence is performed.

In recent years, with the development of semiconductor memories, it has become possible for the mixer to include a memory in which the variable motor speed and operating interval of the mixer required to make the blended dish can be stored. Typically, such a programmable mixer reads information about a mixing sequence encoded on a magnetic strip attached to a plastic card by an external programming device. As such, such a device requires an external device, such as a computer, to input, modify, or duplicate a beverage program held by a plastic card. However, the cost of components required for such a system often makes the price of a mixer that incorporates such features very expensive. In addition, tracking the various program cards used in such systems is generally tedious because the cards are easily misplaced.

In addition, such programmable mixers are generally limited in the amount of complexity that a beverage program can contain. For example, a typical beverage program may include only a limited number of slow or fast ramps and speed changes. In addition, conventional beverage programs may provide a reduced level of control over the deceleration of the mixer's blades. In addition, the beverage program can be limited to only buff cycles that can be repeated for a given mixing sequence. The buff cycle is performed when the mixer slows down its blade while mixing the material. This reduced speed is maintained until the air pocket is released through the material, which results in an increase in blade speed to end the material mixing. As such, conventional programmable mixers limit the user's ability to create custom blended programs or sequences. In addition, current programmable mixers do not allow the user to be part of the feedback process of the mixing process, and as such, modifications to the mixing sequence generated by the current programmable mixer are done in a non real-time offline manner. It does not allow the user to obtain an improved mixing cycle.

Accordingly, there is a need for a programmable mixer having a recording and playback feature that allows a user to record a mixing sequence including a custom way to selectively adjust the various mixing functions of the mixer. There is also a need for a programmable mixer having a recording and playback feature with an integrated mixer memory unit that allows a user to store and play back a mixing sequence. In addition, there is a need for a programmable mixer with a record and playback feature that includes a program selector switch to allow the user to select the desired stored mix sequence. There is also a need for a programmable mixer with recording and playback features that allows the user to be part of the feedback system of the mixing process to produce an improved mixing sequence. There is also a need for a programmable mixer with recording and playback features that allows a user to record and store complex mixing sequences that include a plurality of real-time motor speed variations.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mixer having a function of recording a mixing sequence generated by a user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mixer having a function of reproducing a previously recorded mixing sequence as described above.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mixer comprising a program selector switch which allows the user to select a particular memory location where a mixture sequence can be written as described above.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mixer comprising a program selector switch which allows a user to select a particular memory location where such a recorded sequence can be reproduced upon request.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mixer comprising a data interface that allows the mixer to communicate with a remote computing device as described above, allowing the transmitted mixing sequence to be further modified.

These and other objects of the present invention as well as the advantages of the present invention over existing forms of the prior art, which will become apparent from the following description, are achieved by the improvements described and claimed hereafter.

In general, a mixer having recording and playback features includes a blade assembly, a motor for rotating the blade assembly, and a processor coupled to the motor. The mixer also includes a memory unit maintained by the processor, and a configuration switch coupled to the processor to generate one or more mixing sequences. The processor is also configured to be in a recording mode or a reproduction mode. When the processor is in write mode, the processor stores the mixed sequence in the memory unit. When the processor is in the regeneration mode, the processor controls the motor according to the stored mixing sequence.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for recording a mixing sequence on a mixer with memory comprises the following steps: providing a user adjustable feature on the mixer, placing the mixer in a recording mode, mixing sequence Adjusting at least one of the adjustable features to produce, and writing the mixing sequence to the mixer's memory.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for reproducing a mixing sequence of a mixer with a regeneration mode comprises the following steps: placing the mixer in regeneration mode, selecting a mixing sequence stored in the mixer, And automatically regenerating the mixed sequence selected in the selection step.

Preferred exemplary mixers having recording and reproducing features in accordance with the concepts of the present invention are implemented in a variety of ways, in which the invention is embodied and the invention is determined by the appended claims and not by the details of the specification. It is shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings without attempting to show form and modifications.

1 is a perspective view of a mixer according to the inventive concept.

2 is a block diagram of a mixer control unit in accordance with the inventive concept.

3A and 3B are flowcharts describing the operational steps taken by the mixer when the recording and playback features are called in accordance with the inventive concept.

A mixer having recording and reproducing features is generally referred to by reference numeral 100 shown in FIG. Mixer 100 includes a base 110 from which a rotatable shaft 112 supports a set of blades 114 supported by removable features 116. In addition, the base 110 may be called by a user of the mixer 100 including a record / playback toggle switch 120, a program selector switch 130, a speed setting switch 140, and a start switch 150. Which provides various operational features. The record / playback switch 120 allows the user to put the mixer 100 in record or playback mode, as discussed in greater detail below. In addition, the record / playback switch 120 may provide a normal mode in which the mixer 100 operates normally without performing any of the recording and playback features. The program selector switch 130 has a plurality of positions corresponding to specific memory locations from which various mixed sequences are stored and retrieved. The speed setting switch 140 allows the user to adjust the speed of the blade 114 of the mixer 100 in a variable manner to produce a mixing sequence. As discussed above, the mixing sequence includes a unique way in which the user can increase and decrease the speed of the shaft 112 via the speed setting switch 140 over time. However, it should also be understood that in addition to the shaft speed, the mixing sequence may be based on any operating parameter associated with the operation of the mixer 100. For example, the mixing sequence may be based on a change in one or more operating parameters, which may include changes in torque of the blade 114, temperature variations occurring in the mixture being mixed, operating time, motor ( 264) changes in current or amperage, or any other variable such as blade speed divided by, for example, motor current, or combinations thereof, but is not limited to these. The mixer 100 may also include a display 180 configured to graphically display the value or magnitude of the desired operating parameter to the user. For example, the display 180 may show a value or size of an operating parameter controlled by the user, or the display 180 may indicate an operating parameter that the user does not directly control. Finally, the start switch 150 allows the user to start and deactivate the recording mode or the playback mode depending on the position where the record / playback switch 120 is disposed.

The mixer control section used to carry out the operating features provided by the mixer 100 is generally referred to by reference numeral 200 shown in FIG. 2. The mixer control unit 200 includes a power interface 210 that receives AC main power, such as 120 VAC at 60 Hz, from a standard household mains 220. The power interface 210 converts AC main power 220 into DC power, which is supplied to the control module 230 via the control power line 232. The control module 230 includes a processor 250 and a memory unit 260 coupled to the processor 250. Processor 250 includes the necessary logic that may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof, necessary to perform the functions discussed below. In addition, processor 250 may maintain various work registers and status bits required for mixer 100 operation. Memory unit 260 includes non-volatile memory, such as flash memory (ie, flash ROM), or any other suitable electrically erasable programmable memory (EEPROM). In addition, the memory unit 260 may be a separate component as shown in FIG. 2 or may be integrated in the logic of the circuitry of the processor 250 as an embedded memory. The motor 264 is also coupled to the control module 230 via the power interface 210 via motor speed control lines 261 and 262, to drive the rotor 112, and to be held by the feature 116. Rotate 114. Thus, during operation of mixer 100, processor 250 transmits the appropriate motor speed control signal to power interface 210 and then to the motor via motor power line 268 to control the speed of blade 114. Control the amount of power supplied. Correspondingly, motor 264 provides a motor speed signal to power interface 210 via motor speed control lines 261 and 262 and then relays to processor 250. This allows the processor 250 to continuously monitor the speed of the motor 264.

The record / playback switch 120, the program selector switch 130, the speed setting switch 140, and the start switch 150 are also coupled to the control module 230. During operation of mixer 100, a user may activate record / playback switch 120 to place mixer 100 in a recording mode, playback mode, or normal mode. In the write mode, the processor 250 monitors the program selector switch 130, the speed setting switch 140, and the start switch 150. The user then places the program selector switch 130 in the desired position where the recorded mixture sequence will be stored. Each spot of program selector switch 130 is associated with a predetermined pointer address that identifies a particular memory location within memory unit 260. The user of the mixer 100 then activates the start switch 150 to cause the process 250 to begin recording the mixing sequence which includes adjusting the speed setting switch 140 as adjusted by the user. . The generated mixed sequence is stored in an area in memory unit 260 associated with the pointer address identified by the position of program selector switch 130. Thus, each spot of program selector switch 130 is associated with a different pointer address that identifies a memory location within memory unit 260 in which a particular mixed sequence can be stored for future playback. In other words, the recording mode allows capturing adjustments in real time as operating characteristics, such as the motor speed of the mixer, are changed by the user during the mixing sequence. Thus, the recording mode records the real time speed setting when the real time speed setting is adjusted via the speed setting switch 140 during the mixing sequence.

Correspondingly, if the user wants to play back the stored mixing sequence, the user puts the mixer 100 in the playback mode by placing the record / playback switch 120 in the playback position. Once the mixer 100 is in the playback mode, the program selector switch 130 is used to select the stored mixing sequence. Once the stored mix sequence is selected, the user activates the start switch 150. In other words, when the program selector switch 130 is placed in a specific position, the processor 250 obtains a mixed sequence from the memory location identified by the pointer address identified by the position of the selector switch 130. This allows the processor 250 to automatically control the speed of the motor 264 in accordance with the selected mixing sequence.

In a further embodiment, the control module 230 may include a data interface that allows the selected mixed sequence to be delivered to a data interface 286 maintained by the remote computing device 282 via a removable bidirectional data link 284. 280). Data interfaces 280 and 286 may be configured to provide serial or parallel data transfer between the processor 250 of the mixer 100 and the remote computing device 282. In one aspect, the data interfaces 280 and 286 may include a universal serial bus (USB) interface or a wireless port. In particular, remote computing device 282 may include a handheld or mobile computing unit, or may include a fixed or standalone computing unit, such as a personal computer, for example. In one aspect, remote computing device 282 may be a personal data assistant (PDA), laptop computer, or any hardware, software, memory, and input device needed to allow a user to perform various functions in a manner to be discussed. Other mobile computing units. In addition to the data interface 286, the remote computing device 282 may also include a visual display 288 and an input device 290. Display 288 may be configured as an LCD display (liquid crystal display) or the like to allow the user to see a graphical depiction of the passed mixing sequence. In addition, input device 290 may include a keypad, mouse, stylus, or any other suitable input mode that allows a user to invoke various functions maintained by remote computing device 282.

In order to transfer one or more mixing sequences between the mixer 100 and the remote computing device 282, the user may have a data interface 280 maintained by the mixer 100 and a data interface maintained by the remote computing device 282. Connect between data lines 286 with a data link 284. Once connected, data containing one or more mixing sequences can be downloaded from the mixer 100 to the remote computing device by invoking an association function using the input device 290. After one or more blending sequences have been sent to the remote computing device 282, the selected blending sequences can be graphically shown via the display 288. The user can then identify the specific area or segment of the blending sequence that they want to modify using input device 290. Once the desired region of the blending sequence is identified, the user can edit or otherwise modify one or more characteristics maintained by the blending sequence by invoking the desired function using input device 290. For example, the user may modify the speed of the blade 114 with respect to time, or the user may modify the time or duration that the blade speed is maintained. In other words, any of the attributes or properties including the mixed sequence may be modified by the user via the remote computing device 282. Once modified, the mixing sequence can be sent from the remote computing device 282 to the mixer 100 via the data link 284, where the mixing sequence is stored in the memory unit 260. The user can then select the modified blending sequence in the manner discussed above. In addition, it should be understood that when the control module 230 and remote computing device 282 of the mixer 100 are each configured with a compatible wireless transceiver, the data link 284 may include a wireless communication link. It is also contemplated that mixer 100 and remote computing device 282 may be configured to deliver a mixed sequence in the manner discussed above, eg, via a wired or wireless computer network such as the Internet.

Although the basic function of the recording and reproducing modes provided by the mixer 100 has been described above, the operational steps that can be taken when the recording and reproducing modes are started are generally referred to by reference numeral 300, as shown in detail in FIG. In particular, operation step 300 shows the sequence taken by processor 250 of mixer control unit 200 when a recording and playback mode is started by a user. Thus, beginning at step 310, processor 250 begins by turning on mixer 100 via a power switch (not shown). In a next step 312, the process 300 determines whether the user has placed the mixer 100 in recording mode or playback mode via the record / playback switch 120. If the user put the mixer 100 in the recording mode, process 300 continues to step 316 where it is determined whether the start switch 150 has been activated. If start switch 150 has not been activated, process 300 continues to step 320. In step 320, process 300 determines whether the write status bit was previously set in processor 250. If the write status bit has not been set in the processor 250, the process 300 returns to step 312. However, at step 320, if process 300 determines that the write status bit is set, the pointer address is incremented by 1 through processor 250, as indicated at step 322. FIG. In a next step 326, if a mixing cycle is performed, the processor 250 determines the motor speed in real time as adjusted by the user via the speed setting switch 140. At about the same time, this motor speed setting is stored as a motor setpoint value in a setpoint register (not shown) maintained by the processor 250. Subsequent to step 330, processor 250 adjusts the speed of motor 264 to the motor setpoint value stored in the setpoint register indicated in step 326. Once the motor 264 is set to the setpoint speed stored in the setpoint register, the process 300 continues to step 334 where the processor 250 allows the mixed sequence to be stored in the memory unit 260. Access the memory location of the memory unit 260 with the pointer address that was updated in step 322. Finally, in step 340, the motor setpoint value stored in the setpoint register in step 326 is stored in the memory location identified in step 334. After completion of step 340, process 300 returns to step 316.

If the process 300 determines that the start switch 150 has been activated in step 316, the write status bits held by the processor 250 are toggled as shown in step 350 (i.e., the status bits are Converted from binary 1 to binary 0 and vice versa). In a next step 354, process 300 determines whether the write status bit has been set after being toggled. If the write bit is set, the process continues to step 356 where the motor 264 is turned off and the process 300 returns to step 312. However, if the write status bit is found to be set in step 354, processor 250 determines the pointer address established by the position of program selector switch 130, as shown in step 360. After step 360 is completed, process 300 completes steps 326-340 in the manner discussed above. Once step 340 is complete, process 300 returns to step 316 and, as a result, if start switch 150 is not enabled and the write status bit remains set, steps 360-340. Is continued, thus allowing the user to record a mixed sequence that can be played upon request.

Returning to step 312, if the user puts the mixer 100 into the playback mode via the record / playback switch 120, the process 300 continues to step 380, where the processor 250 starts the start switch. It is determined whether or not 150 is operated. If start switch 150 has been activated, process 300 continues to step 382, where an execution status bit is set in processor 250. Once the run status bit is toggled, process 300 determines whether the run status bit is set, as indicated at step 390. If the run status bit has not been set, process 300 continues to step 392, where motor 264 is turned off, and process 300 returns to step 312 as discussed above. However, if the execution status bit is set in step 390, processor 250 obtains a pointer address that is established according to the position of program selector switch 130, as shown in step 400. In step 402, the processor 250 accesses the memory location of the memory unit 260 having the pointer address determined in step 400. Next, the values for the motor speed setpoint value and time stored at the memory location associated with the pointer address are moved to a work register maintained by the processor 250 as shown in step 410. It is to be understood that the motor speed setpoint value and the time value obtained are associated with the mixing sequence that was previously recorded when the mixer 100 was placed in the recording mode in step 312. Once the speed setpoint value and time value have been moved to the work register, the process continues to step 412 where the processor 250 speeds up the motor 264 according to the time and setpoint speed values stored in the work register. Return to step 380 at the same time. As a result, the user of the mixer 100 is provided with the reproduction of the previously recorded mixing sequence upon request.

However, if start switch 150 is not actuated at step 380, the process continues to step 420, where processor 250 determines whether the run status bit is set. If the run status bit has not been set, process 300 returns to step 312. However, if the execution status bit is set, process 300 continues to step 422, where the pointer address is incremented by one value. After completion of step 422, process 300 continues to step 402 as discussed above. While the pointer address may be incremented by one value, it should be understood that at the same time, the pointer address may be incremented at steps 322 and 422 using different values.

Thus, it will be understood that one advantage of one or more embodiments of the present invention is that a mixer having recording and playback features allows a user to record a mixing sequence in real time. Another advantage of the present invention is that a mixer with recording and playback features records the mixing sequence as soon as the user operates the mixer. Another advantage of the present invention is that a mixer having recording and reproducing features can store a plurality of recorded mixing sequences selectable by the user for later reproduction. Another advantage of the present invention is that a mixer with recording and playback features allows a user to create a custom mixing sequence of any desired complexity. A further advantage of the present invention is that a mixer with recording and playback features maintains a data interface, allowing the remote computing device to modify the transmitted mixing sequence. As a result, the system described herein achieves the object of the present invention and otherwise substantially improves the prior art.

Claims (21)

A blender having a recording and playback feature comprising a blade assembly, A motor for rotating the blade assembly; A processor coupled to the motor, the processor having a memory unit; And A configuration switch coupled to the processor, the configuration switch generating one or more mixed sequences Wherein the processor stores the mixed sequence in the memory unit when the processor is in the write mode and controls the motor in accordance with the stored mixed sequence when the processor is in the playback mode. A mixer configured to be in a playback mode. The mixer of claim 1, further comprising a record / play switch coupled to the processor for selecting between the record mode and the play mode. 3. The mixer of claim 2, further comprising a program selector switch coupled to the processor, the program selector switch selectively identifying a memory location of the memory unit in which the mixing sequence is stored during the write mode. . 4. The mixer of claim 3, further comprising a start switch coupled to the processor, the start switch starting the recording mode upon startup. 3. The mixer of claim 2, further comprising a program selector switch coupled to the processor, wherein the program selector switch identifies a memory location of the memory unit from which the mixing sequence is retrieved during the playback mode. 6. The mixer of claim 5, further comprising a start switch coupled to the processor, the start switch starting the regeneration mode upon startup. The method of claim 1, Further comprising a remote computing device configured to communicate with the processor, the computing device maintaining at least one user invoked function, And the processor is configured to transmit at least one of the one or more mixing sequences to the remote computing device when the at least one function is called at the computing device. 8. The mixer of claim 7, wherein the remote computing device comprises a display for viewing the one or more mixing sequences. 8. The mixer of claim 7, wherein the remote computing device comprises an input device for selecting a particular segment of the at least one transmitted mixing sequence. 10. The mixer of claim 9, wherein the remote computing device modifies the selected mixed sequence segment when another of the at least one user called function is called. 8. The mixer of claim 7, further comprising a data interface, wherein the remote computing device communicates with the processor via the data interface. The mixer of claim 1, wherein the setting switch adjusts the speed of the motor. The mixer of claim 1, further comprising a display for showing operating parameters of the mixer. A method for recording a mixing sequence on a mixer with a memory, the method comprising: Providing a user adjustable feature to the mixer; Placing the mixer in a recording mode; Adjusting at least one of the adjustable features to produce a blending sequence; And Writing the mixing sequence to the mixer's memory Mixed sequence recording method comprising a. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising operating a start switch after said adjusting step to begin said recording step. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising operating the start switch after the recording step to end the recording step. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising selecting a memory location of a memory unit in which the mixed sequence is to be stored, wherein the selecting step is performed before the adjusting step. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein one of the adjustable features includes the speed of the motor maintained by the mixer. A method for reproducing a mixing sequence of a mixer with a regeneration mode, Placing the mixer in a regeneration mode; Selecting a mixing sequence stored in the mixer; And Automatically playing the blending sequence selected in the selection step Mixed sequence playback method comprising a. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising operating a start switch after the selection step to begin the playback step. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising operating said start switch to end said automatic regeneration step of said mixing sequence.

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